To Tweet or not To Tweet? Well, personally, I heart Twitter!

Photography by Nader Coobtee featured in The Bride and Bloom

The latest issue of The Bride and Bloom is out, and I'm very excited about this issue as it features an eight-page editorial of images taken by my good friend and very talented photographer Nader Coobtee, co-owner of Red Lantern Photography.

The photo shoot took place at the newly remodeled Riviera Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, which provided an eclectic, stylish and colorful backdrop for all images - definitely a great quality to consider when booking your wedding.

For more images and details, visit the Red Lantern Photography blog - it's full of amazing images, vibrant colors, and overflowing with tips and inspiration.

Taking a Personal Holiday

I'm closing the shop for the weekend to celebrate my daughter's 5th birthday. Yes, I can't believe my little baby is turning 5 and that her "fourness" (as she put it) will be gone forever as of tomorrow.

Ah, yes, it seems like it was only yesterday when I was experiencing excruciating pain, wondering why on earth must we endure such torture in passing a child into the world? I'm sorry, but personally, I think childbirth is painful, messy and yes, I dare say gross. However, after the labor, the magic begins. My little kiddo is the love of my life, my daily companion, my biggest challenge, my craft-buddy, my joy, my inspiration, my best friend and my personal entertainer.

And what better place to celebrate her life than taking a family trip to the most magical and happiest place on earth? Disneyland! She's never been there before, so I'm sure she'll have a blast! She loves adventure, and luckily she's pretty tall for her age, so I'm sure she'll be able to get on most rides. We'll be back home at night, but the celebration will continue on Saturday and Sunday as both sets of grandparents have her over for cake and ice cream.

Just as an FYI, Disney is running a promotion in 2009 where they provide your child with a free admissions ticket on their birthday! All you have to do is register your child on-line and wait for the ticket to arrive via e-mail.

Before I go, I have to thank Donna from Red Lantern Photography, for letting me know about the promo! The savings are definitely a good thing during these times!

Click here for information on Disney's free birthday admission.

Baptism Invitations

If you are looking for baptism invitations that are simple yet elegant, I may just have what you are looking for! The above invitation was created with those guidelines in mind.

To create that look, I used a beautiful shimmer antique gold card stock for the backing and printed the invitation on smooth ivory paper that has a soft shimmer on the surface. The card was then accented with gold cord and a handmade paper flower.

For a touch of color, I printed the name in an ink color that matched the center of the flower. I also included an image of a dove, which traditionally represents the Holy Spirit, as way to visually incorporate the occasion that is being celebrated.

This design will soon be available for purchase on my website. In the meantime, if you are interested in purchasing a sample or placing an order, please send me an e-mail stating the quantity you are interested in purchasing and the date you need them by.

Please send your inquiry to design{at}dioselina{dot}com.

Who are you wearing? Ah yes, iLE AiYE

I learned how to knit and crochet when I was about 8 years old. I liked it, but I never did finish anything I started. Oh, wait...I did knit a vest for a school project once back in grade school.

I'm very picky about knitted items them, though. They have to look cool and hip, not like anything gramma would wear/make.

Today as I perused the web for color concepts and inspiration I found this gorgeous poncho cape on iCraft.ca and it met the criteria - beautiful, cool, hip. Love it!

Designer: iLE AiYE

Love Birds Save the Date Magnets

Thank you Stephanie in NY for purchasing 50 of my Save The Date Magnets through my zazzle DYI gallery.

If you or anyone else who purchases any of the designs on this gallery need coordinating thank you cards, place cards, or any other form of stationery just let me know! I will gladly create any coordinating elements to complete your event's stationery ensemble.

Limited Edition Flower Hair Clip - Now on sale!

You know, they say necessity is the mother of invention and I truly believe it's true! I wanted to make my sister's birthday present this year, I know she needs business cards but that would be too easy. Think Dio, think...what can you make that she'll love? I know she loves purses and accessories but I don't have a sewing machine and I am not about to hand-stitch a purse. So I came into my studio and pulled out a variety of materials that inspired me. I was determined to use up the materials I have had on the shelves for years, which brought me to my stash of beads. I have been on a roll crafting and creating so many goodies during the last week, that it's becoming more and more difficult to choose which items I want to give her, which ones I want to keep, and which ones I want to post for sale at my Etsy shop.

This flower hair clip is one of my favorite creations so far! It's also a limited edition. I made it from one of my daughter's lightly worn dresses, after it was washed of course. I think I can get about 10 more flowers out of that dress, but they'll have different color beads in the center. Plus I'm keeping a couple of course, so if you like the one shown above, you may want to stop by my Etsy shop now before someone else snatches it!

I heart this Sushi Diaper Roll!

Of all the diaper cakes I've seen this is by far my favorite - the Sushi Diaper Roll! It's so original! Gosh, I cant wait until my sister and her boyfriend (he's Japanese) have a baby so I can buy her one of these! Come on Tim, propose to the girl already - I know she'll say yes!

Uh, did I write that out loud? Hee, hee, guess I did. Thank goodness he doesn't read my blog!

Well back to the featured designer of today...
You can find this and matching Sushi Roll cloth wipes at Enchanted Dandelions where you will find lots more cute stuff to look at. If you're undecided about what to purchase, please note that this Etsy seller also offers gift certificates. Neat!

Safari Theme Wedding Cake

This beautiful Safari inspired cake was created by cake artist and founder of Sedona Couture Cakes, Andrea Blaut. She has been designing exquisite artisan cakes for over a decade and was recently awarded a Silver Medal for the Food Network's challenge "Mystery Client" in March of 2008.

These images are but a glimpse of her amazing work. To see more of her work, visit her website at SedonaCakes.com.

Father's Day Gift Ideas from Martha Stewart

You know we can always count on Martha for tips and inspiration on any occasion. Below are a few of my favorite gift ideas for dad that I found on her site. If you want to see more, just click on any of the images below.

Kid-decorated note pad:

Travel Kit:

Shoe shine kit: